Exploring the Cosmos: How Jenny Sundstedt Brings Space to Life for Young Readers

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, produced by Familius Publishing, host Adina Oberman speaks with Jenny Sundstedt, debut picture book author of In Our Solar System. Jenny shares her personal journey from childhood stargazing with her father to creating a whimsical, rhyming picture book that teaches kids about the cosmos.

She offers insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her book, and how it fosters STEM learning through storytelling. Jenny also highlights ways educators and parents can use the book to make space exploration accessible and engaging for young learners.

This episode is ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers eager to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love for science in children.

 

Episode Highlights

• [00:30] The Origins of Jenny’s Love for Space Jenny shares how stargazing with her father and growing up with a backyard observatory sparked her lifelong fascination with the cosmos.

• [02:00] The Creative Journey Behind In Our Solar System Jenny discusses how she developed her rhyming picture book, inspired by the structure of Over in the Meadow, and how her critique group encouraged her to bring the manuscript to life.

• [04:00] Making Space Fun and Accessible for Kids Jenny explains how anthropomorphizing planets and using engaging, action-packed language helps young readers relate to and enjoy learning about the solar system.

• [06:00] Tips for Using the Book in STEM Learning Jenny offers suggestions for educators and parents to use her book for interactive activities, such as dramatic play and group reading, to spark curiosity and teach STEM concepts.

• [07:30] Collaboration with Familius and Bringing the Book to Life Jenny describes the collaborative process of working with editors and illustrators to refine her story and bring it to its final, vibrant form.

Key Takeaways

1. Inspire STEM Curiosity Early: Use books like In Our Solar System to make abstract science topics accessible and fun for young learners.
2. Make Learning Relatable: Anthropomorphized characters and rhyming text help children connect with complex concepts like the solar system.
3. Encourage Hands-On Activities: Complement reading with activities like dramatic play, stargazing, and creative storytelling to deepen understanding.
4. Build Connections Through Storytelling: Books that spark curiosity about the natural world help children develop a lifelong love for learning.
5. Embrace the Power of Collaboration: Jenny’s journey highlights how editors, critique groups, and illustrators contribute to creating impactful children’s literature.